Latch for caskets



Oct. 12, 1954 o. A. MORAND LATCH FOR GASKETS Filed Dec. 10 1951 Patented Oct. 12, 1954 LATCH FOR GASKETS Donald A. Morand, Portland, reg., assignor to East Side Tool & Die Works, a corporation of Oregon Application December 10, 1951, Serial No. 260,790

1 Claim. (01. 2921) This invention relates generally to hardware and particularly to a latch for caskets.

The main object of this invention is the provision of an inexpensive latch which is easy to apply and which will not weaken the rim structure of the casket.

The second object is to so construct the latch that it will not project laterally from the casket, thereby avoiding the danger of being unintentionally operated or rendered inoperative by striking another object.

A further object is to construct a simple, positive sealing casket fastener which will seal its opening into the lower portion of the casket shell, thereby accomplishing two purposes and eliminating much work in installation and also furnishing a sealing fastener and a positive fastener in one item.

These and other objects are accomplished in the manner set forth in the following specifications as illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the casket showing the latch applied thereto.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary section taken along the line 22 in Fig 1, showing the latch applied to a casket viewing door of hollow metal construction.

Fig. 3 is an exploded view showing the component parts.

Fig. 4 is a View similar to Fig. 2 showing the latch applied to a viewing door of wooden construction.

Fig. 5 is a section taken along the line 55 in Fig. 4.

Like numbers of reference refer to the same or similar parts throughout the several views.

Referring in detail to the drawing, there is shown'a common form of casket it having a cover or lid H which is hinged and otherwise secured in place. On the lid H is shown the socalled viewing door I2 mounted on the elongated hinge l3.

The latch about to be described is especially adapted for use in holding the door l2 closed, although it can be used for other purposes such as holding the main cover I I, if desired.

The latch itself is comprised of several members. An elongated screw l4 having a knurled head I5 is rotatably mounted in the face plate l6 having a boss ll formed thereon whose face l8 engages the knurled screw head l5 and whose face I 9 is held against the door [2 by screws (not shown) which extend through the holes 20 in the plate It.

The face 18 is inclined with relation to the outer surface of the door [2, so that the face [8 will be parallel to the door side 2| which engages the frame 22 around the door opening 23.

In Fig. 2, the frame 22 has a large circular opening 24 concentric with the screw l4. The frame 22 has an inturned flange 25. The outer side of the door I2 and the door side 2| are provided with holes 26 and 21 for the screw M. The hole 24 is much larger in diameter than the hole 21.

On the screw I4 is placed a resilient cylindrical washer 29 which, when not compressed, can pass freely through the hole 24. On the end of the screw I 4 is placed a nut 30 having a somewhat rounded end 3| and the rim 32 on its rubber engaging end 33. The friction between the members 2!, 29 and 30 is suificient to hold the nut 30 against rotation while the screw I4 is being turned.

When the nut I5 is tightened, the compression of the washer 29 completely closes the hole 21 and seals the opening against the admission of moisture or the escape of gases.

In the form shown in Fig. 4, there is added a plate 34 which is held in place on the wooden frame 35 by the screws 36. The hole 31 is the same in size as is the hole 28 shown in Fig. 2. In Fig. 4, the hole 31 is carried on through the frame 35.

The operation of the latch can be best understood by a comparison of Figs. 2 and 4. In Fig. 4 the washer 29 is not under compression and passes freely through the hole 31 in the plate 3A, which is the same diameter as the hole 28 in the frame 22. When the screwM is turned into the nut 30, the washer 29 is placed in compression and expanded as shown in Fig. 2, so that the washer 29 cannot pass through the hole 28 or 3?, locking the door l2 securely in place. Obviously a reversal of the screw it will release the latch.

It can be seen from the foregoing that all difficult fitting is eliminated and that a drill and screwdriver are the only tools required to install my latch and its proper installation is easily accomplished. The latch also acts as a positive holder of the door l2 against any side movement on its hinge I3.

I claim:

A latch for securing a casket lid to a casket body comprising a face plate having means for attaching it to the sloping top of a casket lid, said plate having a boss formed thereon, the top of which is in a substantially horizontal plane,

said boss having a vertical hole formed therethrough, a screw having one end threaded and 3 having the other end headed and journalling in said boss, a cylindrical rubber washer on the threaded portion of said screw and a bulletshaped nut on said screw less in diameter than is said washer and having its rubber engaging end concave.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PA'I'ENTS Number Number Number Name Date Neff Mar. 16, 1937 Adams July 27, 1937 Herold Apr. 25, 1939 Rodanet Mar. 31, 1942 Holman May 18, 1943 Gross et a1 Mar. 5, 1946 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Great Britain Sept. 9, 1932 

